Centre PhD Students
Alasdair Mackenzie
Supervisor: Professor Colin R Pulham / Dr Andy J Alexander
Home University: University of Edinburgh
Title of project: Non-Photochemical Laser-Induced Nucleation of Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals.
Project outline: Control of nucleation in flow is limited. The aim of this project is to explore the use of NPLIN to exert control over nucleation and better understand the process.
Key words relating to project: Laser; Nucelation; NPLIN; Polymorphs; Polymorphism; Crystal; Pharmaceuticals; Control; Understanding; Flow; Properties
Francesca Perciballi
Supervisor: Professor Alastair Florence
Home University: University of Strathclyde
Title of project: Continuous Formation of Optimised Particles for Formulation and Processing
Project outline: The project is focused on the investigation of how to engineer particles using continuous manufacturing technologies to achieve optimised performance in the secondary processing steps. The structure and properties of crystals, particles and powders, influence the ease of manufacture, function, performance and specially the reproducibility of the final product. Controls of crystal formation, particle and powder properties are critical and currently affect the manufacturers, due to the application of traditional batch methods. In the first year of research, a key goal will be the improvement of micromeritic properties of pharmaceuticals using oscillatory baffled crystallisers as a prior evaluation for the development of a continuous approach.
Key words relating to project: continuous crystallisation, pharmaceutical, crystal properties, control, oscillatory baffle crystallisers.
Rachel Sheridan
Supervisor: Dr Jan Sefcik
Home University: University of Strathclyde
Title of project: Studying Fouling in Crystallisation Processes
Project outline: Fouling is a major problem that can occur during crystallisation processes. The effects can be detrimental when crystals encrust on the walls of equipment. Crystals can be produced with unwanted properties and the flow of material can be blocked resulting in losses in time and money. This project therefore aims to give an understanding of fouling and the factors which influence it, as in a continuous crystallisation process fouling would have to be controlled.
Key words relating to project: Crystallisation, surfaces, fouling, encrustation.
Mr Vishal Raval
Supervisor: Professor Alastair Florence
Home University: University of Strathclyde
Title of project: To support CMAC centre's activities which consist of both contracts work for industrial partners and new research projects suitable for running in continuous reactors.
Brief description of my role within Centre:
Give technical support, training and supervision to all researchers on designing, building, running and maintenance aspects of different continuous reactors.
Assess and investigate new research projects suitable for continuous process for publications and application notes to raise the profile of CMAC.
Managing day to day lab activity which consists of managing the equipment allocation. Maintenance of the instruments, building a new or modify existing Continuous reactor as per requirement. Maintaining the university's Health and safety standard within the lab.
